What is a Shaftless Elevator & How Do They Work?

The traditional residential elevator is fantastic for allowing people to access all levels of their buildings, but it takes up a lot of room. 

Not every block has the area for a lift shaft, pit and machine room. Because of the development of small residential lifts such as the shaftless lift, even small buildings can be modified for people with restricted mobility.

They are an excellent substitute for a stairs lift or a full-size traditional lift, and this type of lift is most frequently used for mobility and practicality. 

They are also available in bigger sizes to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers, making a house completely accessible and allowing for independent living. This is why they are so popular among seniors and the ever-growing aging-in-place pattern, and studies have shown the installation of elevators can greatly improve the quality of life for the elderly.

In this guide we will explain what a shaftless elevator is and the mechanisms behind how shaftless elevators work.

What is a shaftless elevator?

As the name suggests, a shaftless home elevator excludes an elevator shaft or hoistway. 

The hoistway of a traditional lift encloses the car and contains a pit beneath the lowest landing, allowing the car floor to be flush with the landing floor. The shaft and enclosed vehicle lead to a machine room, which houses the lift’s drive system.

There is no hoistway in a shaftless lift. The car instead travels along a rail system mounted against a wall or partial enclosure, with the drive gear housed at the top of the lift, making it a much more cost-effective option.

These mobility solutions, also known as through-the-floor elevators, can be installed in tight areas and do not require extensive construction prior to installation. Shaftless elevators are available in a variety of configurations, including wider choices to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.

How do shaftless elevators work?

The shaft-less design is feasible by adding sensors to the lift’s exterior and altering the control panel operation to ‘push and hold’ style buttons. 

This design is only allowed to move between one-floor openings. If you require a lift to service more than two floors, you have several options, including hydraulic lifts and MRL traction models.

This lift has a very small footprint and can squeeze into even the smallest of spaces. Because of its compact design, it is one of the simplest elevators to retrofit into an existing house. 

The clever design enables the lift to be installed in almost any location you can think of. They also don’t need a pit or an isolated machine room, which saves even more space.

Advantages of shaftless residential elevators

Key benefits to shaftless lifts in residential buildings include:

• Space efficiency
• Security
• Cost-effectiveness

Space efficient

The most noticeable benefit of a residential shaftless lift is its small dimension. Because of its compact design, the lift can be installed in a variety of locations throughout the house. If you have limited room in your home or prefer a smaller lift, a shaftless model is an excellent choice.

A shaftless home lift, as opposed to traditional residential elevators, only requires a place to stop on each level. 

Furthermore, there is no need for a distinct room to house the lift drive. This is due to the fact that the shaftless lift’s drive is either hidden behind the lift vehicle or tucked into the supporting guide rail structure.

These compact elevators can be positioned in a room’s corner, at the end of a corridor, or in other small spaces. This also helps with lift power consumption, as often times, the smaller the machinery is the lower the consumption levels will be.

Secure design

The unit incorporates numerous safety features to ensure a safe lift journey.

First, pressure sensors surround the lift, and the user has complete control over travel via the cab panel at all times. Handrails are present inside the cab for additional stability while the through the floor lift is in motion. Furthermore, the cab doors have an interlock feature that allows the lift to move only when the doors are closed and secured.

These are just a few of the safety features encompassed in these elevators to provide users with peace of mind while riding.

You Might Like: How Are Elevators Built? Your Guide

Cost-effective

The cost of purchasing and installing a shaftless elevator is often significantly less than most other residential elevators. With no need for extensive construction or modifications prior to installation, the lift can be installed quickly and easily. This helps to reduce the total installation costs of the lift.

Moreover, shaftless lifts use minimal energy due to their small size and weight, meaning you will be able to save money on your power bills in the long run.

How much does a shaftless elevator cost?

Shaftless lifts do not require the construction of a complete lift shaft. This frequently reduces overall construction costs, which can differ based on the home and model chosen.

The price of your shaftless lift will be influenced by the type, size, and features you choose. A wide model that can handle a wheelchair, for example, will be more expensive than a narrow through-the-floor lift.

The cost of a shaftless lift varies significantly due to the numerous variables at play, you will also have to consider the cost of lift maintenance throughout the lifetime of the elevator.

Are Home Elevators Shaftless?

While traditional home elevators typically include a full elevator shaft, shaftless home elevators offer a unique alternative. These residential lifts operate without the need for a shaft, making them an ideal choice for homes with limited space. Instead of a shaft, the elevator car travels on a rail system, which is usually mounted against a wall, allowing installation in tighter spaces with minimal disruption.

There are also advanced types of shaftless home elevators, such as pneumatic vacuum elevators, which use air pressure to move the elevator car. These models don’t require cables or counterweights, further reducing the need for structural modifications. This makes residential shaftless elevators particularly appealing for homeowners who want an accessible lift without the expense and complexity of a full-scale installation.

In terms of shaftless home elevator cost, the overall expense can be lower than traditional elevator installations due to the simpler setup and smaller size. However, costs vary depending on the model, size, and any additional features, like wheelchair accessibility or specific aesthetic finishes. A shaftless home elevator can thus be an affordable and efficient solution for homeowners looking to add mobility options within their property.

Read More: When is a Lift Required in a Residential Building?

Shaftless elevator installation from Future Lift Services

The expert team at Future Lift Services have a wide range of knowledge and experience of installing small residential elevators and space saving shaftless elevators.

Contact Future Lift Services for a sleek shaftless lift that will blend in with your building. Our team of certified lift technicians can install your unit so you can easily move around.

We specialise in lift installation, maintenance and modernisation for all types of commercial and residential properties across the UK. 

With over 25 years of experience, we’re confident that we can provide you with a high-quality service that meets your specific needs and requirements.

Contact us today for your free no obligation quote!

---

Shaftless Elevator FAQs